We made it! If you have run into Tim or myself over the last many weeks you may have noticed a bit of a hair-on-fire vibe. We had an amazingly busy and long holiday season (ours starts in September with custom work!) and we're incredibly grateful to all of you who visited our shop and trusted us with your most special gifts this season.Now, we're taking a week to relax. Our shop will be closed between Christmas and New Years to give us time to clean, organize projects, install a new heating system, and get things in order for 2020. And yes, Tim and I will actually be taking two days to ourselves (sans bebe) for New Years and we cannot wait to sleep. in. What luxury! We will re-open for regular business hours on Thursday, January 2.  This year was definitely a milestone year for us. We were voted Best Fine Jeweler by Northern Virginia Magazine, we had some lovely write-ups for us in The Washington Post and DC Modern Luxury Magazine, and we were thrilled to be nominated yet again for The Scout Guide Alexandria. We have another "Best Of" nod coming out soon (no spoilers) and the lovely reception we continue to receive from you, Alexandria Stylebook readers, is just the most heart-warming thing for me. It's so rewarding working in this city and we consider ourselves amazingly fortunate to have you trust us with your most special things.On top of all the accolades are all the incredible projects we have completed over the year. From engagement rings to wedding bands to milestone gifts to "treat yoself" splurges, we have designed and sourced and restored some absolutely gorgeous pieces that are living beautiful lives with their new owners. All this work has kept us amazingly busy, challenged, and fulfilled.  Next year is looking just as fabulous. We're excited to announce that we will be opening a new wedding suite in our shop to expand our second-floor footprint a bit more - stay tuned for the great reveal happening in February. We have new local collaborations to announce and so many more meaningful projects to share with you.We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and very Happy New Year. Enjoy your time with your families and we'll see you on the flip side! With love,Tim, Meaghan, and everyone at Alx&Co.